Apply on-line now for Colorado Firecamp's upcoming S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws classes:

• March 7-10, 2024
  
• April 11-14, 2024
• May 2-5, 2024
• May 30-June 2, 2024
• June 20-23, 2024
• July 11-14, 2024
• August 1-4, 2024
• August 22-25, 2024
  

Cost: $750 includes tuition, books, meals & lodging.

What to Bring to Class

Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

MTDC Chain Saw Training

Felling Boss Training

Little Grass Valley Tree Felling Accident FLA — August, 2009

Freeman Reservoir tree felling fatality, 72-hour report & OSHA citation — June, 2009

Storm Mountain Ranch tree felling accident, OSHA citation — May, 2009

Andrew Palmer Fatality, Dutch Creek Incident, — June, 2008

• Appendix C, Chain Saw Technical Report
• Assessment of Accident Site
• Findings
• Policy
• Glossary
• Human Factors

OSHA citations

Volusia County Tree Felling Fatality —
Scene Pictures — November, 2007

Big Creek Fire Accident — August, 2006

NWCG Hazard Tree and Tree Felling Task Group — link to hazard tree safety information

USFS Region 2 letter to Sen. Udall, re: S-212 cutting area — June, 2009

CSFS Faller Qualification Guidelines — May, 2006

USFS Region 2 Chainsaw Policy — February, 2005

S-235 Felling Boss Training, Issue Paper #12 — January, 1996

Wildland Fire Chain Saw Glossary — S-212 Pre-course work

• ANSI — Butt
• Calks — Crossing the Lead
• Danger Tree — FSM
• Grounding — Humboldt Undercut
• Indirect Attack — Open-face Cut
• Peavey — Root Wad
• Safety — Swamp Out
• Tension — Windfall

MTDC Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course

The U.S. Forest Service Missoula Technology and Development Center (MTDC) has developed a chain saw training curriculum similar to S-212 Wildland Fire Chain Saws, but with a less rigorous field evaluation and without the fireline construction chapter.

The MTDC Chain Saw and Crosscut Saw Training Course is designed to train apprentice and intermediate sawyers to perform project work safely and efficiently. The chapters for both courses are summarized here:

The Chain Saw Course:

• Chapter 1 (classroom), Course Information
  
• Chapter 2 (classroom), Safety Requirements
• Chapter 3 (classroom), Chain Saw Use and Maintenance
• Chapter 4 (classroom), Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques
• Chapter 6 (field), Field Proficiency
  

The Crosscut Saw Course:

• Chapter 1 (classroom), Course Information
  
• Chapter 2 (classroom), Safety Requirements
• Chapter 5 (classroom), Crosscut Saw Tasks and Techniques
• Chapter 6 (field), Field Proficiency

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Chapter 1—Course Information:
Students will receive an overview of the chain saw training program. Students will be provided information on the requirements for successful completion of the chain saw training course.

Chapter 2—Safety Requirements:
Students will be able to identify the elements in a job hazard analysis (JHA):

• The task or procedure to be accomplished.
• The hazards associated with the task or procedure.
• Abatement actions to eliminate or reduce the hazards.
• First-aid and emergency evacuation procedures.

Students will learn why personal protective equipment and clothing (PPE) is used, how it is used, and how it is maintained. Students will be able to identify common safety mistakes made by chain saw and crosscut sawyers.

Chapter 3—Chain Saw Use and Maintenance:
Students will be able to perform all field maintenance required to maintain a chain saw properly and operate it safely.

Chapter 4—Chain Saw Tasks and Techniques:
Students will learn the importance of a thorough size-up before limbing, brushing, slashing, bucking, and felling operations. Students will understand the skills needed to operate a chain saw safely and efficiently.

Chapter 6—Field Proficiency:
Instructors will work with the students using the techniques from the course in a field environment. Students will perform limbing, bucking, and felling operations under the guidance of a qualified instructor/certifier and will be evaluated on their skill level.